Do bandit tow trucks prey on breakdown and accident victims?

As if cyber fraud and identity theft weren’t enough hassles, now we have yet another hassle to worry about. When your car breaks down, calling a tow truck is probably the first thing that comes to your head. However, “bandit tow truck” drivers are now becoming a major threat to drivers, according to the Automotive Club of Southern California.

Dan Brogdon, claims investigation manager for the auto club’s insurance decision, says, “Bandit tow trucks operate illegally on many fonts. The drivers listen to police-band radios to learn the location of auto crashes.

Typically, the drivers get business by speeding to arrive at a crash scene first and convincing accident victims to use their tow truck services. This is illegal.”

Even though this is becoming a major issue in the insurance industry, many consumers don’t know how to avoid it. They don’t know how to avoid it mainly because they don’t know who they are.

Brogdon warns, “People need to know how bandit tow drivers operate. Bandits or their associates may be exceedingly smooth and accommodating, or they may try to use the confusion of the moment and intimidate the motorist into allowing the car to be towed. There are cases in which a bandit has hooked up a motorist’s car and simply told the owner where to pick up the car prior to towing it away. Motorists can take control over the situation, but they need to be firm and wait for an authorized tow driver or the one that they called.”

How can you protect yourself from renegade tow trucks? Here are some suggestions provided by the Automobile Club of Southern California:

• It is crucial to avoid accepting a tow truck operator unless your motor club, you, or your insurance company called it. By doing so, you won’t lose control of the location your car is being towed away. Call for your own tow truck.

• Be alert of anyone who immediately arrives and offers either service or advice about who to call and where to go. Usually, someone other than a tow truck driver offers service to an illegal towing company. Don’t fall for this trick! They are trying to be “helpful” immediately, in order to gain your trust and then use you.

• Until your insurance company is contacted, take your car to the tow facility where it can be put in storage. Do this if you don’t have a repair location to which your car can be towed.

• Make sure that you know the policies regarding payment ant towing for your insurance company or motor club.